Looking for Therapy in Guelph? Here’s what to Expect.

Our beautiful city has many mental health resources that offer different support options for a variety of needs. This includes mental health agencies, private practices, naturopaths, family and child services, community mental health programs and local distress phone lines for the members of our community. These services aim to provide psychoeducation and referrals, case management, housing supports, rehabilitation, employment assistance, counselling, support groups, social and recreational opportunities, and peer support services (just to name a few). If you are experiencing addiction, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, suicidal ideation—whatever it may be, you can easily find professionals in Guelph Ontario who are happy to guide and support you.  

Anticipate the following:

Discussing your feelings and sharing vulnerable information about yourself with a stranger can foster a range of emotions. At times, it can feel uncomfortable, frightening and/or extremely liberating. Attending therapy is a commitment and does require personal investment to achieve change. One of the things we as therapists tell clients is that when we explore painful issues that have motivated you to seek therapy, things may get worse before they get better.  

Questions such as “what is the problem from your point of view?”, “how does this problem typically make you feel?” and “what makes the problem better or worse?” are a few examples of prompts that can be helpful to provide new perspectives on your symptoms and concerns. Confronting your experiences in attempt to integrate them into your life can be challenging, as the process can force you out of your comfort zone. But greener pastures are on the horizon!

One of the main misconceptions of going to therapy is that the therapist has all the right answers and will be able to solve your problems. This is somewhat true. Yes, therapists will work collaboratively with you to teach you coping and problem-solving skills for you to apply to your daily life. However, the therapist is not the expert on your life. Therapists possess the knowledge and experience about human psychology and how to address mental health issues, but we do not have all the answers.

Below are a few tips to consider if you are new to therapy or considering starting.

1)    Be prepared to process. Talking about sensitive content can stir up many thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Give yourself time to process what you bring to therapy.  

2)    It’s okay to shop around for a therapist. The therapeutic relationship is the foundation for therapy, so connection and safety are key. 

3)    Know your therapist is human too. Therapists may not have all the answers or know what to say. But know we are here to provide non-judgemental and support through active listening. 

4)    Trust the process. Change does not happen overnight. It is important to follow through with the completion of any assigned homework or tasks in between sessions.

So, what are you waiting for? Everyone can benefit from therapy, but you will never know if you never try!